St. Peter’s Square

Why go

Stand near the central obelisk and the basilica façade becomes part of a deliberate architectural composition. From marked points on the paving, the four rows of columns appear to align. The square also explains how the Vatican accommodates gatherings too large for the basilica, giving its open space a purpose beyond the view.

What to look for

• Four rows of Bernini’s columns appear to align from marked points on the paving.
• The central obelisk anchors the oval space in front of the basilica.
• Statues line the top of the curving colonnades.

The full story

Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the great colonnades in the seventeenth century, giving crowds a defined gathering place in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. Four rows of columns curve around the space, with statues above them. The older obelisk anchors the view toward the façade. There is also a small visual experiment built into the paving. At marked points, the columns in each row line up so that the colonnade briefly seems to have only one row. Move away and its depth returns as the parallel rows of columns separate again in your view. The square’s importance is architectural and ceremonial at once: it is the broad public setting for the basilica, not just a forecourt to cross on the way inside.

Useful to know

• Walk toward the obelisk before approaching the basilica façade to read the square’s full shape.
• Look for the marked viewing points if you want to see the colonnade’s alignment.
• Check the basilica’s official calendar when visiting around a major ceremony.

Your next visit

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